Modern Drummer’s 2013 Readers Poll Winners

The results are in for the longest-running, most prestigious drummer poll in the world. Without further ado, here are your winners for 2013.

Bernard “Pretty” Purdie

The renowned stylist continues to set an example of soulfulness and strength for drummers of every age and in countless musical genres.

Neil Peart

Peart is one of a number of drummers this year who took top honors in two categories. Besides being inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Rush’s drummer released a book to accompany his instructional DVD Taking Center Stage, and he collaborated with writer Kevin J. Anderson on a novel based on Rush’s Clockwork Angels album.

Vinnie Colaiuta

Whether touring with Sting and Herbie Hancock or recording for Paul McCartney, Lee Ritenour, and Wayne Krantz, Vinnie captures the imagination of drum fans in a way no other living player does. He has now won the Studio category fifteen times.

Jojo Mayer

Mayer, who has greatly elevated the art of groove playing within a largely electronic setting, toured the States and Japan this year with the band Nerve, which recently released the fourth installment of its EP series, a winner in our poll.

Benny Greb

The wild popularity of his educational materials, private clinics, and drum camps motivated readers to name Greb as the year’s top educator, and to call specific attention to his Language of Drumming book.

Travis Barker

Upon learning about his win, the popular Blink-182 drummer was moved to thank readers personally: “I’ve read Modern Drummer for over thirty years. I used to dream about even being mentioned in the magazine. The Readers Poll is always such a great honor to be a part of.”

Antonio Sanchez

During this past year Sanchez toured in guitar legend Pat Metheny’s group and released his third album as a leader, NewLife, the first consisting solely of his own compositions.